Ukraine, France secure spots at next year’s U-20 World Cup - FIFA

Ukraine and France joined Italy and Portugal in securing their berths for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 after finishing in the top two places in Group B at this year’s UEFA European U-19 Championship in Finland.

The Ukrainians topped the group with an undefeated record of two wins and a draw, with Monday’s 1-0 victory over Turkey ensuring their passage to the tournament semi-finals, according to FIFA.

France advanced to the last four at Finland 2018 as Group B runners-up following a pair of convincing 5-0 results against Turkey and defending U-20 World Cup and European U-19 champions England.

Poland 2019 will be Ukraine’s fourth appearance at a U-20 World Cup. On their three previous occasions at the global finals (2001, 2005 and 2015), Ukraine reached the Round of 16.

France will be making their seventh U-20 World Cup appearance next year, having lifted the trophy back in 2013. Les Bleuets also featured in previous editions of the competition back in 1977, 1997, 2001, 2011 and 2017.